Seattle dealt Freddy Garcia, Ben Davis, and cash to the White Sox for Miguel Olivo, Jeremy Reed, and Mike Morse yesterday. Despite their position in the standings, the Mariners continued to project an uncertainty regarding their willingness to deal Garcia, holding back until Chicago sweetened their offer to an irresistible level.

After jumping directly from AA to the majors in 2002, Miguel Olivo needed some time to adjust to his new surroundings, but he has now started to demonstrate his abilities. The 25-year-old has substantially improved his contact rate this season while also moving his walk rate closer to the solid levels he displayed in the minors. His considerable power skills also are beginning to emerge and should increase over the next few years as he matures physically. Although his stolen base percentages indicate he likely should reduce his attempts or improve his instincts, he does not plod around the bases as many catchers do. Meanwhile, he possesses a strong defensive reputation and should not even be eligible for arbitration for another season, giving the Mariners an inexpensive well-rounded starting league catcher.

Davis so disappointed the Mariners that he lost his roster spot earlier this year despite his salary. Although his history suggests some of the power and plate discipline upside of Olivo, he does not seem likely to capitalize on that potential during his time with the White Sox. Davis should be eligible for free agency following the 2005 season and likely will be non-tendered this winter as his arbitration salary will far outpace his usefulness.